Bill Would Expand Michigan Oversight Of Poor Schools

A Michigan legislative panel is set to start considering a new bill that would expand a program designed to boost schools with the lowest academic performance.

Credit WKAR File Photo

The Education Achievement Authority is operating in 15 Detroit schools. Governor Rick Snyder wants to add more schools around Michigan.

House Education Chairwoman Lisa Posthumus Lyons says her bill would cap expansion at 50 schools. Schools could be taken over by the authority if they're in the bottom 5 percent of lowest-achieving schools for three straight years.

Democrats oppose the authority, arguing it weakens public schools and usurps local control. Republicans say the performance of Detroit students is improving because of longer school days and more days in class.

A similar bill died in 2012. The House Education Committee has a Wednesday hearing scheduled.